Citizenship

The Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP), launched in 2023, offers a more cost-effective citizenship path. Invests $50,000 of your contribution into the Cocoa Sustainable Fund (CSF), which is redeemable after 4 years. This effectively reduces your net cost compared to DSP. Same fast processing (30-45 days) and requirements as DSP. Ideal for investors who prefer partial capital recovery. Note: EU Schengen access currently suspended.

The Development Support Program (DSP) is Vanuatu's primary citizenship by investment pathway and the fastest CBI program globally. Processing takes just 30-45 days. Requires a non-refundable contribution starting at $130,000 for a single applicant. No residency, language test, or interview required. Must visit Vanuatu or a consulate (UAE, Hong Kong, New Caledonia) for biometrics. Passport grants visa-free access to 107+ countries including Singapore, Hong Kong, and UK. Note: EU Schengen access suspended since 2022, expected restoration by mid-2026 pending EU review.

Most nationalities can visit Vanuatu visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival for tourism, with stays up to 30-120 days depending on nationality. US, UK, EU, Australian, and New Zealand citizens get visa-free entry for 30 days. Non-exempted countries can apply for an eVisa. No commercial work permitted. Extensions not available - must exit before visa expires. Perfect for exploring Vanuatu before committing to longer-term options.

Full Ghanaian citizenship available to foreign nationals who have resided legally in Ghana for 6-8 years (sources vary). Applicants must demonstrate assimilation into Ghanaian way of life, speak an indigenous Ghanaian language, possess good character, and intend to reside permanently in Ghana. Requires valid residence permit at time of application. Ghana has permitted dual citizenship since 2000, allowing naturalized citizens to retain their original nationality. Character assessment supported by witness statements from two attorneys or public officials. Time on visitor permits does not count toward residence requirement - must be on residence permit.

Accelerated path to Ghanaian citizenship available to citizens of approved countries who have resided in Ghana for 5 years (or shorter period at Minister's discretion) and can speak an indigenous language. Marriage to a Ghanaian citizen combined with 5 years residence allows registration. Note: Foreign women married to Ghanaian men can acquire nationality immediately, while foreign men married to Ghanaian women must establish permanent residency first - this gender disparity exists in current law.

Permanent residence status specifically for persons of African descent in the diaspora, popularized by Ghana's "Year of Return" initiative. Grants the right to reside permanently in Ghana, enter without visa, and work without a work permit. Significantly easier pathway than full citizenship while retaining most benefits. Does not grant political rights (voting, running for office). After 7+ years of legal residence in Ghana, diasporans can choose between Right of Abode (permanent residence) or full naturalization (citizenship). Very attractive option for African Americans and diaspora seeking to return to Africa.

Non-immigrant visa for temporary business (B1) or tourism/medical treatment (B2). Typically issued as combined B1/B2. Valid up to 10 years with 6-month stays per entry typical. ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) available for citizens of 41 Visa Waiver Program countries, allowing 90-day stays without visa. No work permitted under any circumstances. Must demonstrate ties to home country and intent to return. Extensions possible but increasingly scrutinized. Note: New visa bond requirement ($5,000-$15,000) for citizens of 32 countries as of January 2026.

US naturalization requires 5 years as lawful permanent resident (3 years if married to US citizen), physical presence requirements (30 months in 5 years or 18 months in 3 years), continuous residence, good moral character, English language proficiency, and passing US civics test (100 questions, must answer 6/10 correctly). Form N-400 application. Interview required at USCIS office. Oath ceremony completes the process. Most countries allow dual citizenship, though some require renunciation.

Moldovan citizenship through naturalization requires 8 years continuous legal residence (3 years if married to Moldovan citizen). Must demonstrate Romanian language proficiency (A2-B1 level) as Romanian is the official language. Requirements include clean criminal record, legal sources of income, sufficient ties to Moldovan community, and compliance with Constitution. Processing time up to 12 months. Dual citizenship allowed under certain conditions (birth, marriage, international agreements). Citizenship by descent available with zero residency for descendants of Moldovan citizens (6-12 months processing).

Permanent residence available after holding temporary residence permit for specified period: 3 years if married to Moldovan citizen, or 5 years for other categories. Requires Romanian language certificate from Ministry of Education, proof of means and tax/social contributions for last 5 years, and criminal record certificate. Processing time up to 90 days. Provides indefinite right to reside in Moldova without visa renewals. Fast-track option available for investors (90-120 days with reduced fee payment).

Paraguayan citizenship available after 3 years of permanent residency. One of the fastest paths to citizenship in the Americas (total ~5 years from arrival). Requirements include Spanish or Guarani language proficiency, ability to write national anthem lyrics from memory, and physical presence of at least 6 months per year during the 3-year period. Paraguay allows dual citizenship on a reciprocal basis (if your home country allows it). Paraguayan passport provides visa-free access to 147+ countries including Schengen Area. Naturalization handled by Supreme Court of Justice, currently taking 12-18 months due to demand.

Indefinite residence status with no expiration or mandatory renewals. Available after completing 21 months of temporary residency. ID card valid for 10 years (renewable). Grants full rights equivalent to citizens except voting. Can apply no earlier than 90 days before temporary permit expiration. Starting January 2026, immigration will verify visit history during temporary period (must not have been outside Paraguay for 365+ consecutive days). Allows travel throughout Mercosur countries without passport.

Permanent Resident (R) visa for foreigners who have held M category visas for required period. Most M visa holders eligible after 5 continuous years; marriage visa holders after 3 years. Grants indefinite residency in Colombia. Still requires cedula renewal every 5 years but visa doesn't expire. After 5 more years (10 total), eligible for Colombian citizenship. Must maintain residence in Colombia and not be absent more than 2 continuous years. Full work rights and access to all services.

Citizens of 100+ countries can enter Colombia without a visa for tourism. Initial stay of 90 days, extendable to 180 days per calendar year. NO work permitted under any circumstances - even remote work is technically not allowed without proper visa. Popular first step for those exploring Colombia before committing to longer visa. Extensions available at Migracion Colombia offices. Overstaying results in fines and potential entry bans. Many expats use this to test cities before applying for proper visa.

Portuguese citizenship through naturalization requires legal residence for 5 years (proposed change to 10 years pending Constitutional Court review as of late 2025). Must demonstrate A2 level Portuguese language proficiency via CIPLE exam or 150-hour accredited course. No criminal record and sufficient ties to Portugal. Dual citizenship generally allowed. Portuguese citizenship grants EU citizenship with full rights to live, work, and study anywhere in the EU. Processing time 1-2 years. CPLP (Portuguese-speaking countries) and EU nationals may have reduced residence requirements.

Spanish citizenship requires 10 years legal residence for most applicants (1 year for spouses of Spanish citizens, 2 years for Latin American, Andorran, Filipino, Equatorial Guinean, Portuguese, or Sephardic Jewish applicants). Must demonstrate integration (language test - DELE A2 or higher, civics test CCSE). Cannot have serious criminal record. Must renounce previous citizenship unless from Latin America, Andorra, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, or Portugal. Citizenship grants full EU rights. Dual citizenship permitted for select countries.

German naturalization overhauled in 2024: now possible after 5 years of residence (down from 8), or 3 years with exceptional integration (C1 German, civic engagement, or above-average academic/professional performance). Dual citizenship now permitted without restrictions - landmark change from previous policy. Requires B1 German language, naturalization test (33 questions, 17 correct needed), secured livelihood, no serious criminal record, and permanent residence permit. Spouses of Germans eligible after 3 years. Fee: €255 (€51 for minors). Major EU passport providing visa-free access to 194 countries.

New Zealand citizenship available after 5 years as resident. Presence requirements: 1,350 days total in past 5 years with 240 days in each of those years. Cannot be out of NZ longer than 4 months in any 12-month period. Must understand and speak English, meet character requirements, and ensure all residence visa conditions met or cancelled. Permanent Resident Visa not required - can apply for citizenship directly after meeting residence requirements. Most applicants pursue citizenship rather than Permanent Resident Visa as it offers full benefits including NZ passport and voting rights. Dual citizenship allowed - NZ does not require renunciation of other citizenship.

Mexican citizenship through naturalization available after 5 years of legal residency (reduced to 2 years for Latin Americans, Spaniards, Portuguese, or those married to Mexican nationals). Requires passing exam on Mexican history and culture (5 random questions, must answer 3 correctly) and demonstrating Spanish proficiency. Application fee ~8,755 MXN. Dual citizenship allowed - Mexico permits holding citizenship of another country. Important: naturalized citizens who live outside Mexico for 5+ consecutive years may lose citizenship. Processing takes 6-12 months.

Panamanian citizenship available after 5 years of permanent residency through any residency program (Pensionado, Friendly Nations, Investor). Requires passing Spanish language test and Panama history/civics test. Must demonstrate ties to Panama and good moral character. Dual citizenship permitted - Panama allows citizens to maintain other citizenships. Citizenship grants visa-free travel to 140+ countries including Schengen Area, UK, and much of Latin America. Application process takes 1-2 years after eligibility. Costs approximately $5,000-7,000 including legal fees. Children born in Panama to foreign parents can acquire citizenship. Marriage to Panamanian citizen reduces residency requirement to 3 years. Citizenship by descent available for those with Panamanian parents or grandparents.